Tech Gifts

Update Your Friends And Family By Getting Them One Of These Gifts For The Holidays

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The Consumer Technology Association estimates that Americans will spend more than $34 billion on tech this holiday season. You know what that means? You might just be labeled this year's Scrooge or Grinch if you show up with something as un-techy (and unwanted) as a scratchy, re-gifted sweater or a pair of tube socks. These examples of cutting-edge high-tech wizardry will keep you at the top of your friends and family’s "best gift givers of 2015" list.

Roku 4

Roku

The latest Roku streaming box to hit the market is also the most powerful ever. Offering instant access to more than 2,500 channels, and even if you’re not ready for 4K, the Roku 4 is, delivering the best quality video any TV can handle. The multi-talented remote control features voice search, a headphone port and a new “find me” feature.$129.00 at Amazon.com

Apple Watch

Apple

We’ve been waiting for it and now it’s here. It’s an Apple device that can be worn everywhere. Already known the world over for bringing a sleek, clean style to consumer electronics, Apple’s transition into fashion accessories has been nothing but seamless. The Apple Watch straps Apple's smooth interface and robust feature set to the wrist, where it’s always just a flick away. You can get instant help from Siri, fitness tracking, notifications and plenty more.$414.95 at Amazon.com

GoPro HERO4 Session

GoPro

GoPro’s latest action cam is also its smallest and simplest. The new waterproof HERO4 Session is half the size of other HERO4 models and 40% the weight. That means it rides lighter and sleeker while still capturing every millisecond of action in up to 1440p/30 resolution. The one-button control makes it dead simple to start rolling. Same great GoPro footage, way less bulk on the helmet means all win.$237.00 at Amazon.com

UE ROLL Speaker

UE

Ultimate Ears speakers have been earning rave reviews all year. The ROLL brings big, booming UE audio for a sub-$100 price that won't kill your wallet. This sleek, lightweight IPX 7-waterproof Bluetooth speaker delivers a detailed, immersive 360-degree sound field to any space, indoor or out. It keeps the music spinning for up to nine hours. The integrated bungee cord makes it easy to strap to bicycle handlebars, backpacks and other gear.$87.29 at Amazon.com

Amazon Echo

Amazon

Amazon brings the fun and utility of the Internet to life with the product category-transcending Echo. Part Wi-Fi speaker, part smarthome command hub, part Web beacon, and part personal assistant, the Echo offers a taste of the future in the here and now. Use the voice-activated home gadget to get news, sports scores and traffic information, answer general Wikipedia-type questions, check your personal schedule, control compatible smart home devices, listen to music and even place orders on Amazon.$179.99 at Amazon.com

Innogie 6600mAh Air Series Battery Pack

Innogie

In this day and age, few gifts are as valuable as the gift of power. Sleek enough to carry comfortably in skinny jeans pockets, the Innogie 6600mAh Air Series backup battery has enough power to charge the iPhone 6 three times. It works with all types of smartphones and tablets, so don’t worry about ever having to lug around a black, lifeless screen again. The 0.36-in aluminum case is nearly slim enough to carry in a wallet.$21.90 at Amazon.com

DJI Phantom 3 Drone

DJI

Drones have been one of the big tech breakouts of 2015, and chances are at least one guy on your list has been daydreaming about manning his own mini-chopper around the park or beach. Give him the tried-and-true drone that has won over professional and amateur reviewers. The DJI Phantom 3 smart drone comes equipped with an integrated camera for 2.7K video and 12MP photos, streaming a live view to the pilot’s mobile device. Its GPS-assisted flight system provides precise, reliable navigation, staying on track every time.$699.00 at Amazon.com

ZTE Spro 2 Smart Projector

ZTE

ZTE slaps a friendly Android face onto a connected projector, providing one of the slickest ways to watch and share content on the go. The Spro 2 connects to the Interwebs with the integrated Wi-Fi or Verizon LTE and navigates through content with its onboard, Android 4.4-powered 5-in touchscreen. Fire 200 lumens at a screen or wall and blow the image up to 10 feet to share with the world around. All this, and a smartphone acts as your remote control.$591.00 at Amazon.com

Tile (Gen 2)

Tile

It used to be simple to keep track of everyday carry items: Keys in one pocket, wallet in another. But with mobile phones, tablets, electronic cigarettes, and other vital (and some not so vital) gadgets and accessories mixed in, it's getting more difficult to keep them in check all the time. Tile trackers provide a helping hand. Secure the Bluetooth-equipped Tile onto a mobile phone, wallet or other easy-to-lose essential, and use the app to track it if it goes missing. This four-pack provides enough trackers for multiple pieces of everyday items.$70.00 at Amazon.com

Fitbit Charge HR

Fitbit

2016 really is the year to be getting in shape — or at least it should be. Give the gift of a "better him" with the Fitbit Charge HR. This fitness wearable keeps the target in sight, tracking daily health and fitness metrics like steps, distance and sleep. It also measures heart rate at the wrist and syncs with a smartphone for wireless notifications. The slim design and OLED screen make it a stylish, unobtrusive accessory.$139.99 at Amazon.com

Ricoh Theta S 360-Degree camera

Ricoh

A 360-degree camera that's not an unwieldy beach ball with lenses, Ricoh's Theta S slides into the palm of the hand and captures spherical images and videos to give an all-around point of view. It weighs about 4.5 oz. and slides into a pocket for easy, always-ready access. The camera records up to 25 minutes of video, and the live streaming option means that video can be shared in real time.$346.95 at Amazon.com

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge

Samsung

You’ve probably seen the smooth, corner-wrapping screen of the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge at some point this year and lusted after it just a bit. Make it a reality by sliding one of the year's hottest phones under the tree this season. The S6 Galaxy Edge packs an upscale glass-and-metal build, 5.1-in Quad HD Super AMOLED screen, integrated wireless charging and high-performance 16MP camera. It's a true powerhouse with the stunning good looks to match.$699.00 at Amazon.com

Dremel 3D Idea Builder 3D Printer

Dremel

The savvy DIYer in your life probably already has a Dremel at home, but it's probably not this Dremel. The Dremel 3D Idea Builder is more than just a one-shot Christmas gift; it's a gift that will keep giving and giving for years to come. Whether the world is ready for them or not, your ideas will become reality with this easy-to-use 3D printer. You can hook it up to a computer and innovate 3D creations or use the built-in touchscreen for all-in-one creation.$999.00 at Amazon.com

Elgato Game Capture HD60 Pro

Elgato

Whether it's for instruction, general sharing, playback or bragging rights, sometimes it's necessary for a gamer to need an instant replay. The Elgato Game Capture HD60 Pro is the slickest way to get the job done. This device hooks up to the Xbox, PlayStation or Wii U and records the in-game action in 1080p/60fps. It also supports live streaming to YouTube and Twitch so his gaming action can go viral. $179.99 at Amazon.com

Microsoft Surface Pro 4

Microsoft

The Microsoft Surface Pro 4 checks two out of five boxes on the CEA's "most wanted" tech list. It's both a tablet and a laptop. Microsoft's new hybrid portable packs a crisp, 12.3-in PixelSense display, a smoother, laptop-inspired keyboard, more powerful speakers and plenty of Intel Core processing power. It's a Windows 10 Pro-powered notebook for work, a low-glare, high-contrast display for entertainment, and both of those devices in a 1.7-pound package for light, breezy travel.Starting at $899.00 at Amazon.com